Women’s Spotlight: Craig’s Auto Body
Glinda Starr, Craig’s Auto Body
“Craig’s Auto Body focuses on repairing all makes and models of vehicles when damaged due to an accident, or if someone just wants to have something fixed on their own,” says Glinda Starr, owner of Craig’s Auto Body Shop. “We work with all insurance companies to help customers through this difficult time.”
How did you know you wanted to own your own business?
“I started working in the car industry when I was 18 years old. I worked in the dealerships for 32 years before I purchased Craig’s. I worked in a mostly male environment and yet was titled with the ComptrollerNice Pres. but still made a substantial less money that most of the male managers that I oversaw. When the dealership I was working for sold, I stayed with the owner and went on to clean up the sale for a year. He gave me the opportunity to purchase Craig’s and I jumped on it. I wanted to be in control of my own destiny. It has worked out well for me. Holt has been great community to work in and support.”
What do you enjoy most about owning your own business?
“The freedom. My husband and daughter work with me, and we work hard to maintain a honest business. Our philosophy has always been that we raised our kids to be honest and respectful, how could we operate our business any other way. So we do, and very proud of it.”
Do you have a specific woman or group of women you look up to?
“I look up to all women who attack their lives with all they have, whether a stay at home mom (who by the way probably works harder that any of us) or a woman in the workforce. Our daughters who have grown into great humans and all work and are successful. My husband (who is not female) who tolerates me when I get crazed over anything that may affect our business that we work so hard to have. My granddaughter & grandsons who are free souls and remind me how lucky we are to have what we do, and that family is just has important as business. It is difficult to balance your life when you are responsible for other lives and incomes. But without them, there would be no us, so you do your best and hope it is good enough.”
What advice would you give to other women who want to own their own business?
“To own a business is a huge commitment to yourself and the people who work for you. You are no longer just making decisions that effect your life, but your workers lives and your family’s life. You might not get a vacation for 5 years or longer, be sure it is a commitment you want to make and something you want to do for a very long time. So be ready to commit and give it all you got, it is worth it to succeed and make a difference.”
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
“I garden, it gives my mind a rest. We camp, kayak, and enjoy our life. We have gotten older and appreciate our off times so much more now. I will be 70 this year so it is definitely time to stop and smell the flowers a little more often.”